Objective To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of LINC00657 in the progression of cervical cancer. Methods Bioinformatics analysis predicted potential binding sites between LINC00657 and miR-30a-5p and between miR-30a-5p and Skp2. These sites were verified by using RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. LINC00657, miR-30a-5p, and Skp2 mRNA expression levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed by utilizing RT-qPCR. Western blot analysis was employed to examine the protein levels of Skp2 in cells and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models in nude mice. Immunohistochemistry was applied to analyze Skp2 expression in animal tissues. The cellular processes of cervical cancer cell lines were evaluated through CCK-8, scratch, and Transwell assays. Results LINC00657 and Skp2 presented binding sites for miR-30a-5p. In cervical cancer, LINC00657 and Skp2 showed high expression levels (P<0.05), whereas miR-30a-5p displayed low expression (P<0.05). Functional experiments demonstrated that linc00657 upregulates Skp2 expression, a process that is dependent on its sequestration of miR-30a-5p. Conclusion LINC00657 promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer by upregulating Skp2 expression through specifically sequestering miR-30a-5p, thereby relieving its inhibitory effect on the target gene Skp2.

Objective:To investigate the effects of different BMI classifications on rehabilitation outcomes and complications after total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Methods:Clinical data of 88 patients who underwent TKA in our hospital from January 2022 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)BMI standards,patients were divided into normal weight group(18.5 ≤BMI＜24.9 kg/m2),overweight group(25.0≤BMI＜29.9 kg/m2),mild obesity group(30.0≤BMI＜34.9 kg/m2),and severe obesity group(BMI≥35.0 kg/m2).Baseline data,operation time,intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay,postoperative knee function scores,pain scores,range of motion(ROM),and incidence of complications were compared among groups.Results:With the increase of BMI,operation time was prolonged,intraoperative blood loss increased,and hospital stay extended,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).At 3-month and 6-month follow-ups,Knee Society Score(KSS)and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)showed that functional recovery decreased with increasing BMI(P＜0.05).Regarding postoperative complications,the incidence of poor incision healing,infection,and deep vein thrombosis(DVT)in the obese groups was significantly higher than in the normal weight and overweight groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion:BMI is an important factor affecting rehabilitation outcomes and complications after TKA.Patients with high BMI have slower functional recovery and higher complication rates.For patients with high BMI,preoperative weight loss and individualized rehabilitation programs should be considered to improve TKA prognosis.

Objective:To study the relationship between the levels of multiple elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning in populations exposed to drinking water arsenic in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia).Methods:From April 2023 to January 2024, a case-control study method was used to select 128 individuals with a residence time of ≥10 years in drinking water arsenic exposed areas in Inner Mongolia as study subjects. Eighty-one individuals diagnosed with arsenic poisoning were selected as the case group, and 47 healthy individuals were selected as the control group for urine sample collection and questionnaire survey. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to determine the levels of 10 elements (chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium and lead) in urine. The levels of each element in urine were divided into four groups ( Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups) based on quartiles. The associations between the levels of various elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning were studied using binary logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS). Results:The age of the control group and the case group [ M ( Q1, Q3)] were 61 (53, 69) and 61 (56, 67) years old, respectively. There were 19 and 43 males, and 28 and 38 females, respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in age and and gender composition between the two groups ( Z = - 0.39, P = 0.700; χ 2 = 1.91, P = 0.167). The levels of urinary copper and cadmium of the case group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z = - 2.66, - 2.16, P < 0.05). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that urinary copper was an influencing factor for arsenic poisoning ( P = 0.017). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for covariates, urinary copper and arsenic were independent influencing factors of arsenic poisoning ( P < 0.05). Taking Q1 group as a reference, urinary copper in Q3 group [ OR (95% CI) = 8.23 (1.81, 37.39), P = 0.006] increased the risk of arsenic poisoning, while urinary arsenic in Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups [ OR (95% CI) = 0.24 (0.06, 0.92), 0.12 (0.03, 0.53), 0.15 (0.04, 0.63), P < 0.05] decreased the risk of arsenic poisoning. After adjusting for covariates, RCS did not show a dose-response relationship between urinary copper, urinary arsenic, and arsenic poisoning ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Urinary arsenic and copper are associated with the risk of arsenic poisoning in the drinking water arsenic exposed areas of Inner Mongolia, copper exposure may contribute significantly to arsenic poisoning.

This study was aimed at analyzing the biotypes and genetic diversity characteristics of five non-major Brucella species,to provide a scientific basis for understanding the species diversity of Brucella and strengthening pathogen monitoring and control.According to the biotypes(species,hosts,isolation locations,and time)and MLVA-16 genotypes(MLVA-16 lo-cus data,MLVA-11 genotypes)of five non-major pathogenic Brucella in the international MLVA database,we used Bionu-merics 8.0 software and PHYLOVIZ2.0 online software to analyze the geographical origin and genetic diversity characteristics of strains.A total of 227 strains were studied,including 121 Brucella ceti,47 B.pinnipedialis,37 Brucella ovis,11 B.mi-croti,and Brucella neotomae.The greatest host diversity was observed for B.ceti,followed by B.pinnipedialis and B.mi-croti.B.ceti was distributed in European and South American countries;B.pinnipedialiswas distributed in Europe;and B.microti.was distributed in the Czech Republic,Austria,and Hungary in Central Europe.B.ovis was widely distributed in Af-rica,Argentina,Australia,Brazil,Greece,the United States,Spain,and France.The MLVA-11 genotypes of different types of Brucella showed high polymorphism and large differences,thus suggesting that the strains have different geographical ori-gins.MST analysis indicated that the studied strains were divided into four branches(BCⅠ-Ⅳ),among which B.ceti was di-vided into two different branches(BC-Ⅰ and BC-Ⅱ),the strains of other types formed different branches(or sub-branches),and the strains of different types showed clear regional and dominant host characteristics.Genetic correlation analysis of strains of the Brucella genus revealed that non-major pathogenic Brucella had clear genetic,distribution,and host spectrum differ-ences with respect to four classical pathogenic Brucella species.Five non-major pathogenic Brucella strains presented unique genetic evolutionary patterns,geographical distributions,and host tropism characteristics,thereby providing new insight for understanding the biological and genetic diversity of those Brucella strains.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Gualou Guizhi granules(GLGZG)on neuronal injury induced by LPS-activated microglia based on Notch signaling pathway.Methods LPS-activated microglia were co-cultured with neurons to construct neuron inju-ry models,and the cells were divided into the control group,model group,Notch inhibitor(DAPT)group,GLGZG(50,100,200 mg·L-1)group,DAPT+100 mg·L-1GLGZG group.After intervention,the activity of HT22 cells was detected by CCK-8 method,and rel-ative mRNA expression was detected by real-time PCR.The relative protein expression was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the model group,after GLGZG intervention,the cell activity was significantly improved,GLGZG decreased IL-6,IL-12,Bax,Notch 1,caspase-3,Delta-1,NICD,RBPSUH,HES1 expression,and increased Bcl-2 expression(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the NICD,RBPSUH and HES1 mRNA and protein expressions significantly decreased after DAPT treatment(P＜0.05),and there was no superposition effect with GLG-ZG.Conclusion GLGZG may play a neuroprotective role by inhibiting inflammatory factors and apoptosis,and inhibiting Notch signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the effects of different BMI classifications on rehabilitation outcomes and complications after total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Methods:Clinical data of 88 patients who underwent TKA in our hospital from January 2022 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)BMI standards,patients were divided into normal weight group(18.5 ≤BMI＜24.9 kg/m2),overweight group(25.0≤BMI＜29.9 kg/m2),mild obesity group(30.0≤BMI＜34.9 kg/m2),and severe obesity group(BMI≥35.0 kg/m2).Baseline data,operation time,intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay,postoperative knee function scores,pain scores,range of motion(ROM),and incidence of complications were compared among groups.Results:With the increase of BMI,operation time was prolonged,intraoperative blood loss increased,and hospital stay extended,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).At 3-month and 6-month follow-ups,Knee Society Score(KSS)and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)showed that functional recovery decreased with increasing BMI(P＜0.05).Regarding postoperative complications,the incidence of poor incision healing,infection,and deep vein thrombosis(DVT)in the obese groups was significantly higher than in the normal weight and overweight groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion:BMI is an important factor affecting rehabilitation outcomes and complications after TKA.Patients with high BMI have slower functional recovery and higher complication rates.For patients with high BMI,preoperative weight loss and individualized rehabilitation programs should be considered to improve TKA prognosis.

This study was aimed at analyzing the biotypes and genetic diversity characteristics of five non-major Brucella species,to provide a scientific basis for understanding the species diversity of Brucella and strengthening pathogen monitoring and control.According to the biotypes(species,hosts,isolation locations,and time)and MLVA-16 genotypes(MLVA-16 lo-cus data,MLVA-11 genotypes)of five non-major pathogenic Brucella in the international MLVA database,we used Bionu-merics 8.0 software and PHYLOVIZ2.0 online software to analyze the geographical origin and genetic diversity characteristics of strains.A total of 227 strains were studied,including 121 Brucella ceti,47 B.pinnipedialis,37 Brucella ovis,11 B.mi-croti,and Brucella neotomae.The greatest host diversity was observed for B.ceti,followed by B.pinnipedialis and B.mi-croti.B.ceti was distributed in European and South American countries;B.pinnipedialiswas distributed in Europe;and B.microti.was distributed in the Czech Republic,Austria,and Hungary in Central Europe.B.ovis was widely distributed in Af-rica,Argentina,Australia,Brazil,Greece,the United States,Spain,and France.The MLVA-11 genotypes of different types of Brucella showed high polymorphism and large differences,thus suggesting that the strains have different geographical ori-gins.MST analysis indicated that the studied strains were divided into four branches(BCⅠ-Ⅳ),among which B.ceti was di-vided into two different branches(BC-Ⅰ and BC-Ⅱ),the strains of other types formed different branches(or sub-branches),and the strains of different types showed clear regional and dominant host characteristics.Genetic correlation analysis of strains of the Brucella genus revealed that non-major pathogenic Brucella had clear genetic,distribution,and host spectrum differ-ences with respect to four classical pathogenic Brucella species.Five non-major pathogenic Brucella strains presented unique genetic evolutionary patterns,geographical distributions,and host tropism characteristics,thereby providing new insight for understanding the biological and genetic diversity of those Brucella strains.

Aging is comprehensively influenced by multiple fac-tors such as internal genes,cellular metabolism,external envi-ronment,and lifestyle habits.Among them,epigenetic regula-tion plays a core role.Epigenetic modifications,including DNA methylation,histone modification,heterochromatin remodeling,and non-coding RNA regulation,act in concert with the three-di-mensional genome architecture to precisely regulate gene expres-sion.This review elaborates on the factors influencing epigenetic regulation,as well as the mechanisms of how epigenetics affects the occurrence of organismal aging and the corresponding inter-vention strategies,providing relevant insights for uncovering the mechanisms of aging and preventing/treating aging-related disea-ses.

Objective To design a multifunctional moxibustion device in order to prevent moxibustion treatment from pollution and skin burns and to enhance its comfort and safety.Methods The new multifunctional moxibustion device was mainly composed of a master controller,a smoke exhaust mechanism and a moxibustion oil collection mechanism.The master controller consisted of control buttons,a type LX400 lifting motor,a lifting rod,a rotating arm,a smoke exhaust pipe and a type 8025 external exhaust fan.The smoke exhaust mechanism consisted of smoke exhaust holes and a cover.The moxibustion oil collection mechanism comprised a cover of the smoke exhaust mechanism,a fixation unit and a holding tank,which had its cover made of stainless steel with baking varnish treatment.Fifty outpatients from the department of rehabilitation and physical therapy of some hospital in the past 1 year were selected and divided into a control group and an experimental group using the randomized grouping method,with 25 patients in each group.The control group was treated with the conventional moxibustion apparatus,and the experimental group was treated with the device developed.The two groups were compared in terms of patient comfort and complications.Results The two groups had significant differences in patient comfort and complications,of which,the control group had all the patients with degrees of syptoms including dizziness,coughing and sneezing and 21 ones feeling uncomfortable,and the experimental group had most of the patients with no adverse reactions and only 2 ones feeling uncomfortable(P<0.05).Conclusion The new multifunctional moxibustion device developed gains advantages in safety and practicability,which enhances patient comfort and prevents complications and thus is of great practical value.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):118-120]

BACKGROUND:The level of peripheral erythrocytes in rats is significantly increased under hypoxia exposure,and the proliferation of nucleated erythrocytes in the bone marrow may be one of the direct causes of the increase in peripheral erythrocytes.Previous studies have focused on the effects of factors such as erythropoietin and hypoxia-inducible factor,but little research has been done on related factors such as inflammation and immunity.OBJECTIVE:To study the expression of interleukin-18 in bone marrow nucleated erythrocytes,bone marrow supernatant and peripheral blood of rats after hypoxia exposure,and to explore the possible role of interleukin-18 in the pathogenesis of chronic mountain sickness.METHODS:Sixteen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group was kept in a hypobaric oxygen chamber at a simulated altitude of 5 000 m for 28 days,and the control group was kept in a laboratory at an altitude of 2 260 m for 28 days.The blood routine tests of the two groups of rats were performed.The proportion of CD71+nucleated erythrocytes in the bone marrow of the two groups of rats was determined by flow cytometry.The expressions of interleukin 18 mRNA and protein in CD71+nucleated erythrocytes in the bone marrow of the two groups of rats were determined by RT-qPCR and western blot assay.The expressions of interleukin 18 protein in the sternum of the two groups of rats were determined by immunofluorescence.The levels of interleukin 18 in the peripheral blood and bone marrow supernatant of the two groups of rats were determined by ELISA.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The indexes of erythrocyte count,hemoglobin,hematocrit,and mean hemoglobin content in peripheral blood of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)The proportion in bone marrow CD71+erythroblasts was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of interleukin 18 mRNA in CD71+nucleated erythrocytes in the bone marrow of rats in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).(4)Western blot assay results showed that the expression of interleukin 18 protein in CD71+nucleated erythrocytes in the bone marrow of rats in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).(5)The immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of interleukin 18 protein in the sternum of rats in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).(6)ELISA results exhibited that the level of interleukin 18 in the serum of rats of the experimental group was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05),but the level of interleukin 18 in the bone marrow supernatant of rats in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).The results indicate that the increased expression of interleukin 18 in bone marrow CD71+erythroblasts and peripheral blood of rats under hypobaric hypoxia may be involved in the proliferation of erythroblasts in bone marrow.